Rover Deployment Latch and Tether Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional space missions face challenges in precisely attaching and releasing rovers from landing vehicles due to violent shaking during launch, which can disrupt the rover's placement and mission objectives.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising bracket assemblies mounted on the landing vehicle deck and latch assemblies on the exploration vehicle, with tethers connecting the wheels to the bracket assemblies, allowing for controlled deployment and stowage of the exploration vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If belly-bolted rovers with ramps are used for deployment, then the rover can be attached securely to the landing vehicle, but the deployment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is divided into separate functional components: latch assemblies mounted on the rover, bracket assemblies on the landing vehicle, and tether systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall deployment mechanism while maintaining secure attachment during launch vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The complex ramp deployment mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler direct-release system. The rover is held in place by latch assemblies that can be quickly released, allowing the rover to deploy directly without requiring complex ramp structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability
2Device complexity
If top-bolted rovers with drop-deployment are used, then the deployment process is simplified, but the rover risks damage during uncontrolled free fall
Solution Approach 1:
Tether systems are pre-configured to engage automatically during deployment, providing cushioning and control during the descent phase. The tethers are designed to limit the distance of free fall and provide controlled deceleration, protecting the rover from damage while maintaining a simple drop-deployment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Tether systems act as intermediary elements between the rover and landing vehicle during deployment. These tethers provide controlled guidance and limitation on the rover's descent path, mediating between the simple drop-deployment mechanism and the need for controlled, damage-free landing
3Reliability
If conventional latch mechanisms are used during launch, then the rover can be securely held, but violent shaking can disrupt the attachment and placement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assemblies are designed with specific mechanical parameters optimized for vibration resistance. The latch engagement geometry and spring forces are calibrated to maintain secure attachment during launch vibrations while ensuring precise placement. The system transitions from generic latch mechanisms to specifically parameterized latches that account for launch environmental factors
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of opposing, spaced apart bracket assemblies is mounted on a lower surface of a landing vehicle deck with each bracket assembly having a latch receiver extending therefrom. A pair of opposing, spaced apart latch assemblies is mounted on an upper surface of an exploration vehicle with each latch assembly having a latch pivotally mounted for releasably engaging one of the bracket assembly latch receivers. A plurality of tethers with each tether releasably connecting one of plurality of wheels to the landing vehicle deck is provided. Each of the latch assembly latches pivots relative to the exploration vehicle upper surface to disengage from one of the bracket assembly latch receivers, so that the plurality of tethers suspend the exploration vehicle from the landing vehicle deck.